Local billboard showcases Brunswick County student artwork on substance abuse prevention

A billboard shows a child pouring pills into their mouth. On the other end, a drawing shows a dead body covered by a sheet. "Substance Abuse. One Time, One Try, You Can Die. Brunswick County Schools Project A.R.E." is displayed.

A billboard showcases the work of Jay Lancaster A Lamar billboard showcases the work of Jay Lancaster from North Brunswick High School (Lamar Advertising, Brunswick County Schools)

By WECT Staff

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, N.C. (WECT) - Brunswick County students will start seeing their work on a local billboard as part of a substance abuse prevention campaign. Out of over 40 entries, six students were chosen as the winners and announced on June 2 in a Brunswick Arts Council release.

The winners were awarded a $250 gift card and the opportunity to have their work shown on campaign materials including digital billboards and social media. Students’ ages ranged from eight to 18 years old.

The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners also commemorated the contest winners at their meeting on Monday, June 6. The contest was made possible by the Brunswick Arts Council, Movement Against Drug Epidemic, NC Drug Epidemic Awareness Walk Across America, B.A.C.K.O.F.F., the BC School District and the BC Sheriff’s Office.

Brunswick County Schools says to look out for their art on billboards on Route 17 in Brunswick County during the summer.

A detached but awake face stares at the sky. They are surrounded by drug paraphernalia, and behind them there is a grave with flowers. "Don't Let Drugs Make You" is written above them.

Layla Warwick at Cedar Grove Middle School (Layla Warwick)

Various drug paraphernalia are drawn on one side of the poster. At the other, the text "Be Smart Don't Start"

Livia Bedillion at North Brunswick High School (Livia Bedillion)

Small silhouettes stand around a building labelled "Recovery Cage." Another sign reads "Save your life or end it."

Kaiya Royall at North Brunswick High School (Kaiya Royall)

A drawn person lays on a hospital bed with an IV in their arm. The top of their head is lifted like a chest, and various pills fall into it. "Help me..." is written beside them. In the corner, "Don't be next. Stay away from drugs."

Shana Spicer at North Brunswick High School (Shana Spicer)

An person leans onto a table with a bottle of alcohol in one hand. A thought bubble portrays two adults and two children, three of whom have their faces blacked out. "The Devil Lives in Alcohol" is written beside them.

JaMya Hansley at North Brunswick High School (JaMya Hansley)

A dead body lays on a table, covered by a sheet and surrounded by medicinal needles. "I'll Quit Tomorrow" is written above them. In the corner: "Obituary, John Be, Loved family member and friend died of a heroin overdose this morning."

Jay Lancaster at North Brunswick High School (Jay Lancaster)

Six children and four staff members stand in front of the long county commissioners table. Five adults in formal clothes stand behind the table. All of them are posed for the photo.

The winners of the Billboard Art Contest are commemorated by the Brunswick County Board of Commissioners. (Brunswick County Schools)

Copyright 2022 WECT. All rights reserved.

Copyright 2022 WECT. All rights reserved.